Sihaya

Sihaya Knitted Shawl by Melanie Berg

What is Being Made

Sihaya is an elegant, light, and ethereal knitted shawl designed as a versatile accessory to complement favorite dresses or blouses. The shawl features delicate lace patterning that creates a sophisticated drape despite its airy construction. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished piece that showcases intricate stitch work while remaining accessible to knitters with some experience.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Sihaya shawl employs lace knitting techniques to achieve its elegant aesthetic. Although the lace patterning appears visually complex, the pattern works up with ease, allowing knitters to establish a comfortable rhythm as they progress through the project. The shawl is worked in stockinette stitch as the foundation, with lace motifs integrated throughout the design. Blocking is essential to this project, as the finished measurements and stitch definition are achieved after blocking, which allows the lace pattern to fully open and the fabric to achieve its intended drape.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) - the fundamental knit stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) - used in combination with knit stitches to create textural variation
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease stitch used to shape the lace pattern
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease stitch that balances the k2tog decreases in the lace motifs
• Stockinette Stitch - the primary stitch pattern providing the smooth foundation for the lace design

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn for Sihaya is Shalimar Yarns Breathless, a premium fingering weight yarn composed of 75% Merino wool, 15% Cashmere, and 10% Silk. This luxurious fiber blend is specifically chosen because it showcases every stitch in the lace pattern beautifully. Each skein contains 113 grams and 420 yards (384 meters). The pattern requires 2 skeins, totaling 212 grams and 787 yards (720 meters) of yarn for the sample shawl.

Needles required are US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring either 47 inches (120 cm) or 60 inches (150 cm) in length, or a size adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. The recommended gauge is 10 stitches by 14 rows over 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked. One boxed pattern repeat measures 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in height and 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in width when blocked, providing a reference for understanding the scale of the lace motifs throughout the shawl.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to work with lace patterns and shaping decreases. The combination of straightforward stockinette sections with integrated lace motifs provides an excellent opportunity to develop lace knitting skills while creating a wearable, elegant finished piece.